Donors needed for Aug. 8 blood drive

The Memorial Blood Center bloodmobile will be at City Hall on Monday, Aug. 8 from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

If youd like to join your coworkers and donate blood, you can schedule a time slot by going to
www.mbc.org (enter sponsor code 0960) or contacting Blair Selk at (651) 332-7171 or
bselk@mbc.org. You can also walk up to the table in the City Hall Rotunda to volunteer. All blood types are needed; however, there is a special need for type O blood.

People who donate blood in August will be entered in Memorial Blood Centers’ drawing for these prizes: iPad, flat screen television or a pair of Vikings tickets. The Memorial Blood Center will also donate a pound of food to Second Harvest food shelf for each pint of blood donated.

The last City Hall blood drive, which was held June 13, netted 34 units of blood. Because blood can be broken down into three components — plasma, platelets and red blood cells — those 34 units could save 102 lives. Blood donated during the Memorial Blood Center bloodmobile event is provided to area hospitals

Most people who are in good health and weigh at least 110 pounds may donate blood. Be sure to eat before donating and bring an ID card. Anyone who donates should not have any cold or flu symptoms for three days prior to the blood drive.

Typically, the entire process — from the time you sign in until the time you leave — takes about an hour. When you arrive, a staff member will determine your eligibility to donate blood. That involves asking you a few basic health questions (including the names of medications you are taking), taking your pulse and checking your blood pressure, temperature and red cell level.

Collecting a unit of blood takes about 10 minutes. You may feel a small pinch when the needle is inserted, but most donors say they don’t feel any pain for the remainder of the donation. Once about a pint of blood has been collected, additional small tubes of blood will be collected for laboratory tests. All blood collection equipment is sterile and used only once. After your donation, you will be given some refreshments to help replenish your fluids. Then you’re ready to resume your normal daily activities.